A NATIONAL plan to ensure domestic violence orders apply across state borders is a good move to provide increased protection for those fleeing violence.
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The proposal was announced by Prime Minister Tony Abbott who met Australian of the Year Rosie Batty and former Victorian police chief Ken Lay yesterday before he gave details of the scheme he wants fast-tracked by state and territory leaders at the next Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting.
Mr Abbott has appointed Ms Batty and Mr Lay to an advisory panel on violence against women that will report to COAG.
The prospect of reform has been welcomed by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews who says the current system is broken and doesn’t protect the innocent or punish the guilty.
Victoria has announced a royal commission into family violence and a minister for family violence prevention.
Mr Abbott’s announcements drew comment the government had taken millions of dollars from homelessness services, community legal centres and single parent support.
But the national scheme and Ms Batty’s appointment have won bipartisan support.